Robertson and Mané Record International Wins

Ah, the international break. So much time waiting around for the real action to return. So little to talk about. So let’s see what our lads are up to over this dark period with no Liverpool games.

Andrew Robertson continued his captaincy of Scotland and was part of a terrific 4-0 win over Albania. The issue for Scotland in recent times has been figuring out how to include both Robertson and Celtic left back Kieran Tierney, clearly the country’s two best players but both playing the same position. The solution has generally been an odd three at the back system with Robertson operating as a wing back, something he’s found difficult at times. Against Albania, Tierney was unavailable, allowing Scotland to revert to a back four with Robertson in his natural left back. It clearly proved a positive, with the win surely further cementing Robertson’s place as Scotland’s captain and star man.

It was overall a good day for Sadio Mane, though his feelings may be more mixed. His Senegal side were able to get a 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea, putting Aliou Cisse’s men in a strong position at the top of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group. There was a lot of frustration for Mane, though, with a generally disappointing performance met with boos toward the Liverpool player from the Senegalese supporters. This led to a fairly emotional reaction from Mane, earning some criticism in the process. This is of course ridiculous, with fans still having a ridiculous desire for players to never show their true emotions. Mane is a human being and found himself feeling human feelings. That it played out in front of the world is not his fault.

The good news is that we’re more than halfway through this international break. The better news is that this is the last international break until March. Hold on, kids. We’re nearly back to the real football.